Reviews and Comparisons

The Garmin Forerunner 220 is a GPS running watch with a high resolution color display made by Garmin, an elite GPS running watch manufacturer. The forerunner 220 tracks distance and pace and includes social media and live tracking connectivity features. In addition, there is an upgraded model that will also track heart rate.

Every runner needs the basic statistics for their run and the Garmin Forerunner 220 GPS Watch is a master at the basics. It provides accurate, real-time data including distance and pace. It works equally well whether you are running outdoors or on a treadmill. The ability to track distance and pace indoors through the built-in accelerometer is a great feature of the Forerunner 220. The watch provides the ability to have a fully customizable workout and has vibration and audio alert features for heart rate, pace, and distance intervals. The post run summary report provides and stores a statistical summary of each run for future reference. The Forerunner 220 also tracks personal records of both time and distance. The connectivity features include social media, live tracking, and automatic uploading through the Garmin Mobile app for your smartphone. Finally, the price is a great feature of the Forerunner 220. The basic model retails for $249.99 and the model with the heart rate monitor retails for $299.99.

While the Forerunner 220 has several great features, there a few drawbacks to the watch too. The Garmin Connect software that is used to track statistics can have occasional glitches that prevent the uploading of data. Also, the GPS is not as precise in distance and pace as experienced runners would prefer. If you are running competitively, you may want a watch with a more accurate and consistent GPS reading.

The Forerunner is an ideal watch for a runner who is looking to maximize their running experience as also mentioned on this review blog, but who may not yet be ready for competitive running. The features are outstanding and it comes with all that a runner needs to makes the best use of their workouts. Those who are competitive runners, desiring more precise distance and pace accuracy, may consider the Garmin Forerunner 305 or 310XT, both of these models test with better accuracy and run between $160-200. It is worth noting that these are older models with lower quality displays than the Forerunner 220. The Nike+ Sportwatch GPS is also another viable option for those who would like similar quality but for less money, although it doesn’t have Garmin’s reputation or features. It retails for $125-150. However, when you compare the Forerunner 220 to these models, you will see that it is still great value for the money for beginning and intermediate runners.

It is no secret that the secret to longevity, is to stay active. Staying active and healthy involves the monitoring of many things beyond your diet. This Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS-enabled sport watch offers the active person a multitude of health-targeted inclusions. In one small device, the active person can connect with many different types of information that is provided conveniently right from their wrist in the form of this awesome watch.

Working out and staying active can sometimes become tedious and boring. This is when a lot of people opt to change up their workout routine to include things outside of the gym or fitness center. These health and fitness fans often take up hiking, rock climbing, biking, and many other outdoor activities. This combination watch is the perfect companion for the adventurous exercise fanatic. Offering the user the ability to track their distance, pace, time, heart rate, and elevation, this device seems to have it all.

To add to the healthful informational benefits of this watch, it also offers a built in GPS unit to keep you on the right track when out in the wilderness or trying to find your way around an unfamiliar area. This ultimate watch also comes with a direct connection to the Garmin Connect community. With Garmin Connect, you can map your workout route, map out bike routes, create original workouts, and connect with other users that share your interest in exercise.

Pros

Although this device is a premium performer on land, the water lovers of the exercise world need not fret. This unbelievable watch is also equipped to function when underwater. These incredible features include such things as swim distance, swim metrics, stroke count, stroke identification, and pool lengths. Combined with the GPS feature on this device, you can map your swimming route and calculate your swolf score to analyze and increase your swimming efficiency and speed. This information can then be downloaded to your Garmin Connect where the information can be analyzed and technique can be adjusted.

Cons

One drawback of this device is that the battery life is only 20 hours long. If you are planning to spend an extended stay in the wilderness away from modern conveniences, this could cause a problem without electricity to recharge the unit.

Conclusion

When it comes to the ultimate in GPS wristwatches for athletes, this Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS Watch is the perfect addition to any active person’s workout attire. Offering far more than other units such as the Polar exercise monitors, this watch will keep your workout in check while it keeps you on the right path to your workout goals. Instead of buying all of these applications separately, the clear choice is the Garmin Forerunner 910XT GPS watch for all of your exercise monitoring needs located in one extraordinary wristwatch.